Agenda item

Siting of Portakabin to rear for a temporary period to be used as a standby point for Yorkshire Ambulance Service (resubmission) [Westfield Ward]

Members considered a full application from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service for the siting of a portakabin to the rear of Acomb Branch Library for a temporary period to be used as a standby point for Yorkshire Ambulance Service (resubmission).

Representations were received from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service in support of the application. The Estates Manager raised his concern over the following restrictions in the conditions:

• Condition 2 states “The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land reinstated to its former condition at or before 31 May 2009…….” He requested an extension of this period to 2 years or at least “1 year’s operational use” as he explained they would lose 2-3 months use before the development would become operational if the condition was to remain as currently worded.

• Condition 4 states that that “the sirens and lights of the ambulance vehicles shall not be used until the vehicles have exited the Acomb Branch Library Site”. He stated that the condition as currently worded would mean they couldn’t use blue lights and sirens when exiting the site onto the road which may be necessary in heavy traffic conditions so as not to affect public safety. He said he understood why this condition had been added but would prefer the decision whether or not to use them was left to judgement of staff concerned who are well trained in when to use lights and sirens.

• Building Colour - He requested advice on what colour would be preferential as indicated in Condition 3.

The Chairman asked if they had considered siting a light at the exit to indicate that an ambulance was leaving the site. The Ambulance Service Representative confirmed he would be happy to look into this if it was felt appropriate.

Members discussed the following issues:

• Condition 2 (Length of development) – Members suggested that if approved the development should be allowed to remain on site for a period of 2 years. However a Member suggested that at the end of this period, it should either be removed or a permanent application be submitted as they would not be happy for a portakabin to be granted on temporary basis again.

• Condition 4 (Use of Lights and Sirens) - Members suggested an amendment to condition 4 to prevent lights and sirens being used on the site between 9pm and 8am (hours of darkness) but also raised the point that this shouldn’t  jeopardising public safety.

• Parking Issues - There were concerns about a possible increase in parking on the site and Members asked for clarification on whether this development would mean additional cars parked on the site. It was confirmed that the ambulance services staff would pick up the response vehicle from the base station and leave their cars at the base station therefore there wouldn’t be any additional parking on site.

• Retention of grassed area – Concern was raised as to whether use of the  grassed area, which was repaired when the library was improved, would be restricted. This was intended to be used over summer months for children’s classes. Confirmation was given that this area would still be available for its intended use and would probably be fenced off for safety.

• Other possible locations for an ambulance standby point – Members suggested that the Yorkshire Ambulance Service examine other possible locations in the vicinity for the siting of a standby point.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report, with the following amended and additional conditions: ¹

(i)                 Amended condition 2

                                                The development hereby permitted shall be removed and the land reinstated to its former condition at or before 31 May 2010; unless an extension of the period shall first have been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, through the submission and approval of a planning application.

Reason:  So that the Local Planning Authority may assess the impact of this upon the living conditions of neighbouring residents.       

(ii)        Amended Condition 4

                                                Notwithstanding the submitted details, between the hours of 21:00 and 08:00 on the following day the sirens of the ambulance vehicles shall not be used until the vehicles have exited the Acomb Branch Library site.

                                                Reason: To protect the amenity of the occupants of the neighbouring dwellings.

(ii)               Additional Condition 5

                                                Details of a sign placed along the front boundary of the site to alert the public to an ambulance entering the highway should be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

                                                Reason: To alert the public to emergency vehicles entering the highway.

REASON:                  That the Proposal, subject to the conditions listed in the report and above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference the residential amenity of the neighbours, the visual amenity of the building and the adjacent conservation area, and highway safety. As such, the proposal complies with Policies GP1, SP6, GP23, HE2 and C3 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan (2005).